Structural dynamics and fluid flow in shell-and-tube heat exchangers. Summary and overview of a DOE/ECUT-sponsored research program

Objective of the research program is to contribute to the design and development of energy-efficient, reliable, and cost-competitive industrial shell-and-tube heat exchangers. This report highlights the many technical contributions of the DOE/ECUT-sponsored program, reviews industry's use of the program results, and identifies research needs. Vibration excitation mechanisms, fluid/structure coupling, and flow distribution are briefly reviewed to provide background information. To date, the program has focused on the development of data bases of tube vibration and pressure drop information, derived from tests of a specially designed industrial-size heat exchanger. The development of an improved prediction method for fluid-elastic instability thresholds and the numerical simulation and measurement of flow distribution have also been addressed. Gas and two-phase flow testing is among the future research needs identified; such testing would require substantial modifications to the existing Heat Exchanger Test Facility. Industrial support, leading to a DOE/industry co-sponsored research pr ogram, is sought to allow for required modifications to the test facility, subsequent gas and two-phase flow testing, and expansion of the program to include further development of vibration and flow distribution prediction methods and related research.